Last Thursday night, Aunt Shelly came over to babysit Annika so Mommy could go to a Pampered Chef meeting. I think both Annika and Aunt Shelly had a good time. Annika didn't even cry when I left like she usually does. I was very happy about that. It's so hard to leave when she's crying.

Friday, I worked from home. We had a big three day meeting at work last week so Tues-Thurs were late nights for me. I only got to see Annika for an hour or two each day. So, Friday I only had to work half a day and I did it from home in the morning. I was able to spend the rest of the day with Annika while Daddy went in to work in the afternoon. Then we were able to spend the evening together as a family. That almost never happens on a week day! Saturday, we went to check out Sadie's at the Mall of America. We have an appointment for Wednesday to get Christmas cards done. (Why so early - an early bird coupon of course!) Then we went shopping for clothes for the 3 of us to wear. The mall was crazy busy so we only ended up finding a dress for Annika before we surrendered and went home. Then, at Target that night, I found another dress that is just adorable so now Annika has two dresses! Yesterday after lounging around the house most of the day, watching football, munching on candy and chips, we headed out to do a bit more shopping. This time we found Daddy a very nice shirt and tie. Last night I looked at Sadie's schedule and they are completely booked for this coming weekend! We have to use the coupon by the 15th of November and since weeknights are out, I made an appointment for Wednesday (the 9th) at 1pm. I have some vacation I need to burn before the end of the year so I'm going to take a half day off and spend it with my family. Hopefully the mall won't be so busy then either. Of course, now I need to find something for me to wear! That means more shopping tonight for Annika and I! At least I can bring Annika's dress and Kris's shirt and tie with me to make sure whatever I find goes well with their clothes.

Last night, while Kris and Annika went to go dogsit Babe for a couple hours, I went out to dinner with Karen and Marilyn, two Pampered Chef friends of mine. I hardly ever get to see these great women and I'm glad we got a chance to get together.

Oh, I forgot the funniest part of the weekend - we ran into so many people we knew! We always felt like we were on such an oasis when we lived north of the cities. We didn't know anyone up there really. Friday night we went out to dinner at Ruby Tuesday in our new town - and ran into a high school classmate of ours! She, her husband and daugher live just blocks from us! Then Saturday at the grocery store, I ran into my Aunt Mary! And then Sunday, when shopping at Kohl's, I ran into my cousin Sarah and my Aunt Mary again! (Aunt Mary works at Kohl's.) Then, yesterday, while making a quick trip to Target, we ran into my CAbi consultant, Deb! I just love seeing people I know. It makes me feel like such a part of the community, even though we just moved there. Next up is to find a new congregation, make friends with the neighbors (more than just hi and bye on the way into or out of the house) and really become integrated. I know that will really happen when Annika starts school but, so far, we are really liking it in our new town.